Russian: Ankara provides mercenaries in Idlib with US anti-aircraft, Turkish military uniforms    

A Russian military diplomatic source said that Turkey is actively mobilizing soldiers, weapons and military equipment in Idlib, northern Syria, and handed over a tangible portion of the weapons to Hayet Tahrir al-Sham mercenaries (formerly Jabhet al-Nusra).

Russian news agencies quoted from the source on Saturday that Turkey has introduced more than 70 tanks, about 200 armored vehicles and 80 cannons to Idlib, indicating that a large part of the equipment is being delivered to the mercenaries of the terrorist Tahrir al-Sham.

It pointed out that the mercenaries obtained from Turkey US-made anti-aircraft, adding that the cases of mercenaries using these portable air defense systems represent the biggest concern today, knowing that two Syrian regime helicopters have been shot down in the northern region this week.

The source added that it is of particular concern that Ankara provides the mercenaries in Idlib, De-escalation zone, with Turkish military uniforms.

The source confirmed that the mercenaries related to Hayet Tahrir al-Sham and other gangs are participating in the fight against the regime under the mask of Turkish army elements.

He added that within a week, the regime forces have destroyed more than 20 tanks and troop carriers handed over to the gunmen in Idlib by Turkey.

The Russian Foreign Ministry had earlier held the Turkish side responsible for the escalation of tension in Idlib, stressing that Turkey does not adhere to its commitments chronically in the framework of Sochi memorandum.

The Source: Agencies